To explain: I lost some weight. Big deal? Fairly. This year has seen me running (5K, then 10K next Sunday), walking up hills (carrying a 2.5 year old I must say!), doing yoga (Ashtanga; love it, brilliant instructor Mamta Kanabar), and cycling to work … quite a step change really. Perhaps it’s a mid-life crisis, perhaps it was just Time to do Something. But I did something, and now I’m trying to balance my love of cake with my new love of all outdoorsy (K and I are hoping to do part of the West Highland Way this summer if the grandfolks will take the girls).

So, without further ado, here are some pics of the last few months. The new me, or at least a revamped version of the old me.

In no particular order, here are a few of the knits I’ve finished in the past few months. Dominika (from the Rowan book 48, by Marie Wallin) in Rowan felted tweed. LOVE IT. Really. Best thing I ever made, even if it is slightly too big. Super warm and love the style.

Loppem by Norah Gaughan, knit up in RCY extra fine merino dk. I’m using this yarn for a February Lady Sweater. The guage is a bit tricky as this yarn grows in blocking quite a bit!

Snapdragon fliptop mitts by Ysolde Teague. This pair was for Donna, I’m making myself a pair for those cold hill walking days.

Sunday by Katherine Walker, knit up in Rowan Soft 4ply (now discontinued). Wish I’d made it a bit sloppier, but it’s a nice staple item for cold days and with leggings.

Current UFOs: my snapdragons, a patchwork blanket (in Sirdar Baby Bamboo again – using up the last of it honest, I DO NOT keep buying more colours!), and my Barcelona jacket in Noro which I’m actually a bit disappointed by. Again it’s a bit too big – the problem is I’ve shrunk but can’t bring myself to knit up a small size! Hopefully once I have put the snaps on it will be ok, nice and colourful anyway. Will post some pics of that one soon. And lastly I want to start a large shawl in the Fyberspates grey lace yarn I’ve had since Woolfish festival couple of years ago. I think I have the ideal pattern; watch this space (I may be some time).

One of my fave patterns for kids as simple, roomy and warm.

There is a whole pile of finished projects waiting to be blocked and photographed. Plus I’ve finally started on my Dominika jacket – finished the back and so far so good. But this week priority goes to my girls in this last week before starting my new job. Enjoying glorious autumn sunshine, bike rides with a very excited little girl who has just learned to ‘go’s her bike, and enjoying an even smaller girl’s great sense of humour.

Also in the past weeks been doing a mammoth clear out – nearly been through everything now. This is as sorted as I get.

Bun very pleased to be back with her ‘family’: Isaac, Emily and Rosie. Molly came with us of course.

Wee kitty for baby e – finished in car on way to see her for first time!

Arran raglan sweater to protect wee Ev against those biting easterlies. Plain stockinette makes for rolling hens. Love this Debbie bliss pattern. So simple – a real first sweater tho.

This little 6 point hat started as a tam but then I completely made up the incs and decs and its much pointier than planned and I added on the brim. Result is great tho. Did I write down notes? Can I remember? Pffff! The tank top will look gorgeous with baby inside too!

What to do when in bed with tonsilitus? Knit baby booties why of course! This may be the end to the run on babies after all … Unless someone throws a curved ball. Perhaps that not the expression I was after but you know what I mean!

Bun won 3rd place in the school Eco fashion show! She had a lot of help making her newspaper kilt and race for life bag top of course … But I was still proud!